Delegates from near and far descend on Melbourne for grains conference

  • Posted by David Sexton
  • |
  • 30 July, 2025

PEOPLE flew from as far away as the United States and China for the annual Australian Grains Industry Conference, held at Crown Palladium, Melbourne.

The event was held with the backdrop of Trumpian tariffs, a topic that provided fodder for several presentations.

Speakers included agriculture minister Julie Collins (via video) as well as grain market analysts and trade experts.

Grain Trade Australia chief executive Andrew Goyder delivered the welcoming speech, noting the need for productivity growth and the growth of markets in China and Southeast Asia. 

Delegations from China and Indonesia were among those to attend the conference.

ANZ senior economist Adelaide Timbrell provided some analysis of the overall Australian economy, noting its healthy position in comparison with much of the world.

Stephen Thompson, a partner of law firm HFW, acted as master of ceremonies, keeping presentations and questions rolling at a lively pace.

Ash Govil and Harshad Kale AGIC 2025

Ash Govil and Harshad Kale

Andrew Long and Maya Muthuswamy

Andrew Long and Maya Muthuswamy

Mark Bergamasco and Khai Nguyen

Mark Bergamasco and Khai Nguyen

Trevor Macleod and Brad Bryant

Trevor Macleod and Brad Bryant

Julia Hausler and Kate Concannon

Julia Hausler and Kate Concannon

Abid Ahmed and David Lever

Abid Ahmed and David Lever

Posted by David Sexton

David Sexton is DCN’s senior journalist and has an extensive career across online and print media. A former DCN editor, he returns to covering shipping and logistics after a four-year hiatus working at Monash University during which time he managed production of key reports into the Indonesian ports and rail sectors.

LinkedIn | Website

Related post